American Independence Festival

July 15, 2017 — The American Independence Festival in Exeter, New Hampshire is organized by the American Independence Museum, a non-profit organization, with support from volunteers, the festival committee, chamber of commerce and the community as well as financial support of sponsors.

Events included firing of a battery of cannons on three separate occasions over the course of the day which proved highly popular in spite of ear-splitting explosions. A battle reenactment between British forces and the town militia along the banks of the Squamscott River drew a huge crowd of spectators, happy to see the militia win the day. A reading of the complete Declaration of Independence was given, while loyalists and British military boo'd and threatened the speaker. There was to be a fireworks display in the evening.

Military encampments, arts and crafts exhibits and demonstrations of the Revolutionary period, and various vendors filled the downtown area and Swazey Parkway along the river. Individuals in period dress and military uniform were everywhere. Marching bands went by frequently. There were tours of the 1721 Ladd-Gilman house where, among many other artifacts, was the actual 23rd printing of the Declaration of Independence from 1776.

Videos and photos of the events can be seen at this link:

http://www.linwoodstreet.com/independence/